Ryan Taylor signed for Newcastle United on 2nd February, 2009, from Wigan as part of the deal that saw Charles N'Zogbia move in the opposite direction.

He signed a four-and-a-half year deal on Tyneside, and made his debut five days later as the Magpies triumphed 3-2 away at West Bromwich Albion - with Taylor setting up what turned out to be the winner.

Following Newcastle's relegation, Taylor bagged his first goal for the Club on 22nd August, 2009, against Crystal Palace, and scored four times as they went on to finish top of the Championship and book an immediate return to the Premier League.

The 2010/11 season was disrupted by injury for Taylor, who made just five league appearances and spent a long spell on the treatment table. Early on in the campaign there were a couple of memorable moments, however, as he struck stunning goals at Accrington Stanley and Chelsea in the Carling Cup.

The departure of Jose Enrique during the summer of 2011 prompted a switch in position for Taylor, as he moved across to the left-back role, and made an instant impression as United made an 11-game unbeaten start to the Premier League season with him an ever-present.

And the free-kick specialist scored three goals in the opening weeks of the season. The first, a derby winner against Sunderland, will forever endear him to Newcastle supporters, and was followed by another free-kick against Scunthorpe in the Carling Cup. Taylor then struck an outstanding 25-yard half-volley against Everton, which he dedicated to his new-born son.

Early Days

Liverpool-born Taylor came up through the ranks at Tranmere Rovers before making his debut aged 18. He was deployed down the right-hand side in both midfield and defence while at Prenton Park and hit 11 goals during the 2004/05 season as Tranmere reached the League One play-off semi-finals.

In the summer of 2005, Taylor moved to the Premier League and Wigan Athletic but the following year had a tough time with injuries, first breaking a metatarsal before breaking his leg in his comeback against Newcastle United Reserves.

The versatile defender scored seven goals during his time at Wigan, four of which came against Newcastle, before sealing his move to the North-East in February 2009.